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Most air filters have two sets of dimensions: actual and nominal. The
actual dimensions of your filter are the measurements you take yourself of the height,
length, and width of your filter. Nominal dimensions are rounded off to the
nearest 1" measurement and are the dimensions that most air filters are
sold under. For example, if your air filter measures 10 ½“ x 20 ¾” x
1¼”, the nominal dimensions will typically be 11” x 21“ x
1”.

To find the best fit for your filter, we recommend measuring the dimensions
of your existing filter and then looking for the closest match in nominal dimensions.
Height and length measurements are interchangeable, so a filter
with measurements of 11” x 21” x 1” may also be listed
as 21” x 11” x 1”.

Your filter should fit snugly without having to be forced into place. Trying
to fit a filter that is too large into the required space can cause the filter
to tear or buckle and result in a loss of efficiency. If you notice air leakage
around the sides of the filter after installation, you may use gasket tape
around the edges of the filter to create a tighter fit.

MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Values and is an industry-created
standard that evaluates the efficiency of air filters. The MERV rating of
any particular air filter ranges on a scale of 1 to 16, with a filter rating
1 being the least efficient and a filter rating 16 being the most efficient.

While it is important for the quality of the air in your home to choose the
most efficient filter possible, it is not always as simple as buying a filter
with the highest MERV rating. Because the pores allowing for air flow in
a highly-rated MERV filter are very small, the filter creates more resistance
against air flow and may put too much pressure on the fan of your furnace
or air conditioning unit. It’s important to choose an air filter with
the highest MERV rating that your particular unit will allow for maximum
air flow. Information about specific MERV ratings and recommendations for
your furnace will generally be included with the documentation that came
with your system.

We recommend choosing an air filter with a MERV rating between 8 and 11 for
most residential furnace and AC units in order to adequately remove airborne
contaminants. If your system can handle a filter with a higher MERV rating,
you may wish to use a filter with a rating of 12 or 13 for even greater contaminant
removal. However, it’s important to remember that filters with a higher
MERV rating must be replaced at least every three months to avoid restricted
air flow and negative effects on your furnace’s performance.

How often should I change my filter?

Actual replacement times will depend on a variety of household conditions,
including running time on the furnace or air conditioning unit, the type of
flooring in the house, and the presence of kids and/or pets. Generally, 1” air
filters should be replaced about every 2-3 months for optimal performance.

Can I wash or vacuum my filter to make it last longer?

Washing your filter may seem like a viable option to make your filters last
longer, but it is not recommended. Many of the materials used to make the filter
do not hold up well when wet, and washing the filter significantly increases
the chance of mold or bacteria growth on the filter itself, which can then
be released into the household air.

Vacuuming your filter is a healthier alternative, but it’s possible you
could tear or rip your filter during the process. Also, a vacuumed filter can
release dust and other toxins into the ductwork of your furnace unit when re-installed.

Generally, it’s a better option for your furnace and your household air
quality to change the filter with a new replacement when the old filter is
exhausted.

Information

The Email Reminder service allows you to receive automatic notification regarding your next filter replacement date.

The default frequency for each filter will be the replacement frequency suggested by the manufacturer. You may opt out of the service or change the reminder date or frequency at any time. Simply click on the “Email Reminders“ link in the Services section at the bottom of any page on our site.

If you are purchasing a new system, you will receive a reminder for the replacement filter for that system. For example, if you purchased a Culligan Pitcher Filter, you will receive a reminder for the Culligan Pitcher Filter Replacement Cartridge.

If you do not wish to receive email reminders, please select the No reminder option in the drop down menu.